Method for controlling thermal energy of a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a thermal energy control method for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes determining, based on data from data detectors, whether a state of charge of a battery is greater than or equal to 30%, determining, based on data from the data detectors and based on determining that the state of charge of the battery is greater than or equal to 30%, whether a battery temperature is higher than 10°C, determining, based on data from the data detectors, whether an ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C, operating an electric heater based on determining that the ambient air temperature is lower than or equal to -20°C, determining, based on data from the data detectors, whether the battery temperature is higher than a target temperature and whether a vehicle interior temperature is higher than a user set temperature, and terminating an active thermal management control based on determining that the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and that the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user set temperature.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0185638, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a thermal energy control method for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a thermal energy control method for an electric vehicle, such as a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV), which is equipped with an engine for charging a battery, thereby powering a drive motor. Background Technology

[0004] Generally speaking, improving vehicle fuel efficiency is a key technology that will determine the future survival of the automotive industry. Therefore, major vehicle manufacturers are investing heavily in research aimed at improving the fuel efficiency of their vehicles to meet contemporary demands such as environmental protection and fuel efficiency regulations.

[0005] In recent years, with increasing attention to energy efficiency and environmental pollution, research and development of environmentally friendly vehicles that can largely replace internal combustion engine vehicles are underway. These environmentally friendly vehicles can be classified into electric vehicles that use fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles that use engines and batteries as power sources.

[0006] Here, an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "EV") includes at least one high-voltage battery configured to provide power and start driving.

[0007] These types of batteries discharge over time or with use, so they need to be charged. Therefore, typical electric vehicles use a charging cable to physically connect to an external power source to charge the battery.

[0008] Meanwhile, in recent years, range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs) that use electric motors and rely solely on engines for charging to extend their driving range have been on the rise.

[0009] An EREV is an electric vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine to charge a high-voltage battery but does not transmit engine power to the wheels.

[0010] Therefore, in an EREV, when the battery's state of charge (SOC) is low, the engine can use an electric generator unit (MGU) powered by the engine to charge the battery.

[0011] Such EREVs may include not only cooling devices for the engine and electrical components to regulate the temperature of the engine and electrical components by circulating coolant, but also a heat pump system to regulate the interior temperature of the vehicle by circulating refrigerant.

[0012] Such a range-extended electric vehicle configuration may require the development of a control method for controlling battery temperature and utilizing heat generated by the engine, various cooling devices, and heat pumps to regulate the vehicle interior temperature. The information disclosed in this Background section is intended to enhance understanding of the invention's background and may therefore contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a thermal energy control method for a vehicle that can selectively perform in-vehicle heating while effectively controlling battery temperature by utilizing thermal energy generated from the engine, electrical components, and heat pump device of a range-extended electric vehicle. This method is particularly suitable for range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs) equipped with an engine for charging a battery configured to supply power to a drive motor.

[0014] A thermal control method for a vehicle may include, during vehicle operation, a controller determining whether the battery's state of charge (SOC) is greater than or equal to 30% based on data detected from a data detector; when the SOC is determined to be greater than or equal to 30% (i.e., the condition is met), the controller determines whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C based on data detected from the data detector; the controller determines whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C based on data detected from the data detector; when the ambient air temperature is determined to be lower than or equal to -20°C (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller operates an electric heater; the controller determines whether the battery temperature is higher than a target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than a user-set temperature based on data detected from the data detector; and when the battery temperature is determined to be higher than the target battery temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature (i.e., the condition is met), control is terminated.

[0015] In the step of determining whether the battery's state of charge is greater than or equal to 30%, if the battery's state of charge is determined to be less than 30% (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller may execute the operation of the engine to charge the battery.

[0016] The thermal control method may further include, when it is determined in the step of determining whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller determines whether the battery charging regulation mode is in operation; when it is determined in the step of determining whether the battery charging regulation mode is in operation (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller determines whether the vehicle interior heating has been turned off; and when it is determined in the step of determining whether the vehicle interior heating has been turned off (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller determines whether the engine has been turned off.

[0017] When it is determined that the engine is off during the step of determining whether the engine is off (i.e., when the condition is met), the operation of determining whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C can be performed.

[0018] The thermal control method may further include setting the battery to a normal regulation mode by the controller when it is determined that the battery temperature is below 10°C in the step of determining whether the battery temperature is above 10°C (i.e., the condition is not met); and setting the battery to a charging regulation mode by the controller when it is determined that the battery charging regulation mode is not running in the step of determining whether the battery charging regulation mode is running (i.e., the condition is not met).

[0019] In normal adjustment mode, the target battery temperature can be set to 10°C, and in charging adjustment mode, the target battery temperature can be set to 20°C.

[0020] After setting the battery to normal adjustment mode, you can perform an operation to determine whether the battery's charging adjustment mode is running, and after setting the battery to charging adjustment mode, you can perform an operation to determine whether the vehicle's heating is turned off.

[0021] The thermal energy control method may further include, when it is determined in the step of determining whether the in-vehicle heating is off that the in-vehicle heating is not off (i.e., the in-vehicle heating is on) (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller sets the in-vehicle target temperature of the in-vehicle air conditioning unit; and when it is determined in the step of determining whether the engine is off that the engine is running (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller uses the thermal energy generated from the engine to perform either in-vehicle heating or battery heating.

[0022] The target temperature inside the vehicle can be set by the user.

[0023] After completing the step of setting the target temperature inside the vehicle for the air conditioning system, the system can determine whether the engine is off. When the system uses heat generated from the engine to perform either vehicle heating or battery heating, or when the electric heater is running, the system can determine whether the battery temperature is higher than the target battery temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

[0024] When using heat energy generated from the engine to perform either in-vehicle heating or battery heating, in-vehicle heating can be performed when in-vehicle heating is turned on.

[0025] The thermal energy control method may further include, when the ambient air temperature is determined to be higher than -20°C in the step of determining whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller operates the heat pump device; the controller determines whether the coolant temperature rise rate is higher than a predetermined value based on data detected from the data detector; and when the coolant temperature rise rate is determined to be higher than the predetermined value in the step of determining whether the coolant temperature rise rate is higher than the predetermined value (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller determines the compressor discharge pressure P. d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water Is the difference between them greater than 20°C?

[0026] If, in the step of determining whether the rate of temperature rise of the coolant is higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that the rate of temperature rise of the coolant is lower than a predetermined value (i.e., the condition is not met), the method may return to the step of the controller operating the electric heater.

[0027] Determine the compressor discharge pressure P d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water In the step of determining whether the difference between the values ​​is greater than 20°C, when determining the compressor discharge pressure P... d Above 15 bar, or refrigerant discharge temperature T d With coolant temperature T water When the difference between the values ​​is greater than 20°C (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller can perform an operation to stop the heat pump unit from operating.

[0028] Determine the compressor discharge pressure P d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water In the step of determining whether the difference between the values ​​is greater than 20°C, when determining the compressor discharge pressure P... d Below 15 bar, or refrigerant discharge temperature T d With coolant temperature Twater When the difference between the two is less than 20°C (i.e., the condition is not met), an operation can be performed to determine whether the battery temperature is higher than the target battery temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

[0029] In the step of determining whether the battery temperature is higher than the predetermined target battery temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature, if it is determined that the battery temperature is lower than the target battery temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is lower than the user-set temperature (i.e., the conditions are not met), the control method may return to the step of determining whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C.

[0030] The data detector may include: a battery state of charge sensor configured to measure the battery state of charge; a battery temperature sensor configured to measure the battery temperature; an external temperature sensor configured to measure the external temperature; a vehicle interior temperature sensor configured to measure the vehicle interior temperature; a coolant temperature sensor configured to measure the coolant temperature; a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump unit; and a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, wherein the compressor is included in the heat pump unit.

[0031] As described above, the thermal energy control method for vehicles according to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) equipped with an engine for charging a battery (configured to supply power to a drive motor), can selectively perform in-vehicle heating by utilizing thermal energy generated from the engine, electrical components, and heat pump device, while effectively controlling the battery temperature.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, thermal energy can be effectively utilized based on coolant temperature, refrigerant discharge pressure, and refrigerant discharge temperature to control the battery at the target battery temperature, and simultaneously and quickly perform in-vehicle heating until the target in-vehicle temperature set by the user, thereby improving the speed of battery temperature control and in-vehicle heating, and enhancing the overall market competitiveness of the vehicle.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the battery can be used and charged at optimal temperatures, thereby improving charging speed and efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, by effectively controlling the battery temperature, optimal battery performance can be obtained, and the total driving range of the vehicle can be extended through effective battery management. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a thermal control device for a vehicle thermal control method according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a control flowchart used to explain a thermal energy control method for a vehicle according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification and the structures shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not cover the full scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent solutions and modifications may exist when applying this specification.

[0039] For the purpose of clarifying this disclosure, parts unrelated to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same elements or equivalents may be designated using the same reference numerals.

[0040] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of the components in the accompanying drawings may be shown arbitrarily, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for clarity, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, areas, etc., may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly stated otherwise, the word “including” and its variations, such as “comprising” or “having”, should be understood as including the stated elements, but not excluding any other elements.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms described in this specification, such as “…unit,” “…method,” “…part,” “…component,” and “…building,” all refer to a comprehensive element unit that performs at least one function or operation.

[0043] The thermal energy control method for a vehicle according to the embodiment can be applied to a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) driven by a drive motor, wherein the motor 20 is used to charge a battery 10, which is configured to supply power to the drive motor.

[0044] This type of thermal control method can effectively control the temperature of the battery 10 according to the state of charge of the battery 10, while using the heat energy generated from the engine 20, electrical components and heat pump device 50 to perform vehicle interior heating.

[0045] Here, the battery 10, engine 20, and electrical components can be connected to multiple coolant lines (in which coolant flows) and cooling devices, including valves, radiators, and water pumps, etc. The cooling devices are connected to the coolant lines and configured to control the flow of coolant.

[0046] Therefore, the cooling device can use coolant to regulate the temperature of battery 10, engine 20 and electrical components, and can selectively recover and utilize the heat energy generated from battery 10, engine 20 and electrical components.

[0047] This type of cooling device can be connected to a heat pump unit 50 in which refrigerant is circulated.

[0048] The heat pump unit 50 basically includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected via refrigerant lines. Additionally, the heat pump unit 50 may also include a cooler configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the refrigerant.

[0049] The heat pump unit 50 can selectively recover heat energy from the coolant while exchanging heat between the coolant and refrigerant supplied from the cooling unit, thereby changing the phase state of the refrigerant.

[0050] Thus, the EREV, which includes battery 10, engine 20, electrical components, cooling device and heat pump device 50, may also include an in-vehicle air conditioning device 30 for regulating the interior temperature of the vehicle, and an electric heater 40 for heating the interior when heat energy is insufficient.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a thermal control device applying a thermal control method for a vehicle according to one embodiment, and Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a control flowchart used to explain a thermal energy control method for a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0052] In the EREV configured as described above, such as Figure 1 As shown, the battery 10, engine 20, in-vehicle air conditioning unit 30, electric heater 40 and heat pump unit 50 can be controlled by a thermal energy control device, and the thermal energy control device may include a controller 100 and a data detector 110.

[0053] In this embodiment, the data detector 110 can detect data so that the controller 100 can control the operation of the battery 10, engine 20, in-vehicle air conditioning unit 30, electric heater 40 and heat pump unit 50.

[0054] Data detected from data detector 110 can be transmitted to controller 100. Data detector 110 may include battery state of charge sensor 111, battery temperature sensor 112, external temperature sensor 113, vehicle interior temperature sensor 114, coolant temperature sensor 115, refrigerant temperature sensor 116, and refrigerant pressure sensor 117.

[0055] First, the battery state of charge sensor 111 measures the state of charge of the battery 10. The battery state of charge sensor 111 measures the state of charge of the battery 10 and can transmit the associated signal to the controller 100.

[0056] Battery temperature sensor 112 measures the temperature of battery 10. Battery state of charge sensor 111 measures the temperature of battery 10 and transmits the associated signal to controller 100.

[0057] The external temperature sensor 113 measures the outside temperature of the vehicle. The external temperature sensor 113 can measure the outside temperature of the vehicle and transmit the associated signal to the controller 100.

[0058] The vehicle interior temperature sensor 114 measures the interior temperature of the vehicle. The vehicle interior temperature sensor 114 measures the interior temperature of the vehicle and transmits the associated signal to the controller 100.

[0059] The coolant temperature sensor 115 measures the temperature of the coolant circulating from the cooling unit. The coolant temperature sensor 115 measures the coolant temperature T. water It can also transmit related signals to the controller 100.

[0060] The refrigerant temperature sensor 116 measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor of the heat pump unit 50. The refrigerant temperature sensor 116 measures the refrigerant discharge temperature T from the compressor. d It can also transmit related signals to the controller 100.

[0061] In addition, the refrigerant pressure sensor 117 can measure the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The refrigerant pressure sensor 117 can also measure the compressor discharge pressure P. d It can also transmit related signals to the controller 100.

[0062] The vehicle interior temperature sensor 114 measures the temperature of electrical components when the vehicle is being driven. The vehicle interior temperature sensor 114 measures the temperature of electrical components and transmits the associated signal to the controller 100.

[0063] Here, the controller 100 may be implemented as one or more processors operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program may include a set of instructions for performing the various steps included in the cooling system control method according to the embodiments described later.

[0064] Therefore, the thermal energy control method for a vehicle according to the embodiment can selectively perform in-vehicle heating by utilizing the thermal energy generated by the engine 20, electrical components and heat pump device 50, based on data detected by the data detector 110, while effectively controlling the temperature of the battery 10.

[0065] To achieve this goal, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, in the thermal energy control method for a vehicle according to an embodiment, the controller 100 can determine whether the state of charge of the battery 10 is greater than or equal to 30% based on data detected from the data detector 110 during vehicle operation (step S1).

[0066] When the state of charge of battery 10 is determined to be greater than or equal to 30% in step S1 (i.e., when the condition is met), controller 100 may determine whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than 10°C based on the data detected from data detector 110 (step S2).

[0067] Conversely, if the state of charge of battery 10 is determined to be less than 30% in the step of determining whether the state of charge of battery 10 is greater than or equal to 30% (i.e., the condition is not met), controller 100 may operate engine 20 to charge battery 10 (step S3).

[0068] In other words, in an EREV, when the state of charge of battery 10 is below 30%, controller 100 can operate engine 20 to charge battery 10. When engine 20 is running, coolant can be supplied to engine 20 along coolant lines to regulate engine 20 temperature.

[0069] After completing step S3 of running engine 20, controller 100 can execute step S3, that is, determine whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than 10°C.

[0070] When it is determined in step S3 that the temperature of battery 10 is higher than 10°C (i.e., when the condition is met), controller 100 may determine whether the charging regulation mode of battery 10 is in operation (step S4).

[0071] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3, which determines whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than 10°C, that the temperature of battery 10 is lower than or equal to 10°C (i.e., when the condition is not met), controller 100 can set battery 10 to normal regulation mode (step S5).

[0072] Here, battery regulation refers to battery temperature management to improve energy efficiency. In normal regulation mode, the target battery temperature of battery 10 can be set to 10°C.

[0073] After completing step S5, which sets battery 10 to normal adjustment mode, step S4 can be executed to determine whether the charging adjustment mode of battery 10 is running.

[0074] When it is determined in step S4, which determines whether the charging regulation mode of battery 10 is running (i.e., when the condition is met), controller 100 can determine whether the vehicle heating is turned off (step S6).

[0075] Conversely, if it is determined in step S4, which determines whether the charging regulation mode of battery 10 is in operation, that the charging regulation mode of battery 10 is not in operation (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 may set battery 10 to charging regulation mode (step S7).

[0076] Here, in charging regulation mode, the target battery temperature of battery 10 can be set to 20°C.

[0077] After completing step S7 of setting the battery 10 to the charging regulation mode, the controller 100 can execute step S6 again to determine whether the vehicle heating is turned off.

[0078] In step S6, when it is determined that the vehicle heating is off (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller 100 can determine whether the engine 20 is off (step S8).

[0079] Conversely, if it is determined in step S6 that the in-vehicle heating is not turned off (i.e., the in-vehicle heating is turned on) (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 may set the target in-vehicle temperature of the in-vehicle air conditioning unit 30 (step S9).

[0080] Here, the target temperature inside the vehicle can be set by the user.

[0081] After completing step S9 of setting the target temperature inside the vehicle's air conditioning unit 30, the controller 100 can execute step S8 again to determine whether the engine 20 is in the off state.

[0082] When it is determined in step S8 that the engine 20 is off (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller 100 may determine whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C based on the data detected from the data detector 110 (step S10).

[0083] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S8 that the engine 20 is running (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 may use the heat energy generated from the engine 20 to perform either vehicle interior heating or battery 10 heating (step S11).

[0084] Here, when the vehicle's heating is turned on, the vehicle's heating can be activated.

[0085] More specifically, the controller 100 can control the cooling device so that coolant heated while cooling the engine 20 is supplied to the battery 10.

[0086] Therefore, the coolant heated by the thermal energy of the engine 20 can rapidly raise the temperature of the battery 10.

[0087] In addition, when the vehicle heating is turned on, the controller 100 can also perform vehicle heating by supplying the heated coolant to the heater core installed in the HVAC module.

[0088] Meanwhile, when it is determined in step S10 whether the ambient air temperature is above -20°C (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller 100 may operate the heat pump device 50 (step S12).

[0089] When the heat pump device 50 is running, the refrigerant can circulate through the operation of the various components in the heat pump device 50. At this time, the heat pump device 50 can enable the refrigerant circulating through the battery 10 to exchange heat with the refrigerant.

[0090] Therefore, the heat pump device 50 can raise the temperature of the coolant circulating through the battery 10 by utilizing the heat energy generated during the phase change of the refrigerant. The coolant heated by the heat energy of the heat pump device 50 can raise the temperature of the battery 10.

[0091] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10, which determines whether the ambient air temperature is above -20°C, that the ambient air temperature is below -20°C (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 may operate the electric heater 40 (step S13).

[0092] In other words, when the ambient air temperature is below -20°C, the controller 100 can operate the heat pump device 50 but only the electric heater 40 to protect the heat pump device 50.

[0093] Therefore, the electric heater 40 can heat the coolant supplied to the battery 10 to raise the temperature of the coolant. The coolant heated in the electric heater 40 can be supplied to the battery 10, thereby raising the temperature of the battery 10.

[0094] In this embodiment, after step S12 of operating the heat pump device 50 is completed, the controller 100 can determine, based on the data detected from the data detector 110, whether the rate of temperature rise of the coolant supplied to the battery 10 is higher than a predetermined value (step S14).

[0095] In step S14, when it is determined that the temperature rise rate of the coolant is higher than a predetermined value, if it is determined that the temperature rise rate of the coolant is lower than the predetermined value (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 may return to step S13, which involves operating the electric heater 40.

[0096] In other words, during the operation of the heat pump unit 50, if it is determined that the rate of temperature rise of the coolant heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is lower than a predetermined value, the speed of the coolant temperature rise may decrease.

[0097] Therefore, in order to rapidly increase the coolant temperature, the controller 100 can simultaneously operate the electric heater 40 and the heat pump device 50.

[0098] Conversely, in step S14, when it is determined that the rate of temperature rise of the coolant is higher than a predetermined value (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller 100 may determine the compressor discharge pressure P based on the data detected from the data detector 110. d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water Is the difference between them greater than 20°C (step S15)?

[0099] Determine the compressor discharge pressure P d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water In step S15, when determining whether the difference between the values ​​is higher than 20°C, the compressor discharge pressure P is... d Above 15 bar, or refrigerant discharge temperature T d With coolant temperature T water When the difference between the values ​​is greater than 20°C (i.e., when the condition is met), the controller 100 may stop the operation of the heat pump device 50 (step S16).

[0100] In other words, in a heat pump system, when the compressor discharge pressure is high or the refrigerant discharge temperature is T... d Below coolant temperature T wate When r is in the range, the controller 100 can determine that the heat pump device 50 is operating in the protection range or the inefficient range, and can stop the operation of the heat pump device 50.

[0101] After step S16, which shuts down the operation of the heat pump device 50, is completed, the controller 100 can determine, based on the data detected from the data detector 110, whether the temperature of the battery 10 is higher than the target temperature and whether the interior temperature of the vehicle is higher than the user-set temperature (step S17).

[0102] In step S17, which determines whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than the target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature, active thermal management control can be terminated when it is determined that the temperature of battery 10 is higher than the target battery temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature (i.e., when the conditions are met).

[0103] Conversely, in step S17, which determines whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than the predetermined target battery temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature, if it is determined that the temperature of battery 10 is lower than the target battery temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is lower than the user-set temperature (i.e., the conditions are not met), the process can return to step S2, which determines whether the temperature of battery 10 is higher than 10°C, and repeats the above process.

[0104] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, after completing step S11 of performing either vehicle interior heating or battery heating by utilizing the heat energy generated from engine 20, or step S13 of operating electric heater 40, step S17 can be executed, namely, determining whether the battery temperature is higher than the target battery temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when determining the compressor discharge pressure P d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water In step S15, when determining whether the difference between the values ​​is higher than 20°C, the compressor discharge pressure P is... d Below 15 bar, or refrigerant discharge temperature T d With coolant temperature T water When the difference between the two is less than 20°C (i.e., the condition is not met), the controller 100 can execute step S17, which is to determine whether the temperature of the battery 10 is higher than the target battery temperature and whether the temperature inside the vehicle is higher than the user-set temperature.

[0106] Therefore, as described above, in a range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) equipped with an engine 20 charging a battery 10 (configured to supply power to a drive motor), in-vehicle heating can be selectively performed by utilizing the heat energy generated from the engine 20, electrical components, and heat pump device 50, while effectively controlling the temperature of the battery 10.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, thermal energy can be effectively utilized based on factors such as coolant temperature, refrigerant discharge pressure, and refrigerant discharge temperature, so that the battery is controlled at the target battery temperature, and at the same time, vehicle heating is quickly implemented until the target vehicle temperature set by the user, thereby improving the temperature control of the battery 10 and the speed of vehicle heating, and enhancing the overall market competitiveness of the vehicle.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the battery 10 can be used and charged at an optimal temperature, thereby improving charging speed and efficiency.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, by effectively controlling the temperature of the battery 10, the optimal performance of the battery 10 can be obtained, and the total driving range of the vehicle can be extended through effective management of the battery 10.

[0110] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments now considered to be practiceable, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal energy control method, comprising the following steps: Based on data from the data detector, determine whether the battery's state of charge is greater than or equal to 30%; Based on the data received from the data detector and based on determining that the state of charge of the battery is greater than or equal to 30%, it is determined whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C; Based on the data received from the data detector, determine whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C; Based on the determination that the ambient air temperature is below or equal to -20°C, the electric heater is operated; Based on the data received from the data detector, it is determined whether the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature. as well as Active thermal management control is terminated based on the determination that the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

2. The thermal energy control method according to claim 1, wherein, In response to determining that the state of charge of the battery is less than 30%, the engine is operated to charge the battery.

3. The thermal energy control method according to claim 1 further includes the following steps: Based on the determination that the battery temperature is above 10°C, it is determined whether the battery's charging regulation mode is in operation; Based on the determination that the battery's charging regulation mode is in operation, determine whether the vehicle's heating is turned off; as well as Based on the determination that the vehicle's heating system is turned off, it is determined whether the engine is turned off.

4. The thermal energy control method according to claim 3, wherein, In response to determining that the engine is off, determine whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C.

5. The thermal energy control method according to claim 3 further includes the following steps: Based on the determination that the battery temperature is equal to or lower than 10°C, the battery is set to normal adjustment mode; as well as Based on the determination that the battery's charging regulation mode is not in operation, the battery is set to the charging regulation mode.

6. The thermal energy control method according to claim 5, in, In the normal adjustment mode, the target temperature of the battery is set to 10°C, and In the charging regulation mode, the target temperature of the battery is set to 20°C.

7. The thermal energy control method according to claim 5 further includes the following steps: After setting the battery to the normal adjustment mode, determine whether the battery's charging adjustment mode is in operation; as well as After setting the battery to the charging adjustment mode, determine whether the vehicle heating is turned off.

8. The thermal energy control method according to claim 3 further includes the following steps: Based on the confirmation that the vehicle heating is turned on, the target temperature inside the vehicle is set via the vehicle air conditioning system. as well as Based on the determination that the engine is running, the heat energy generated by the engine is used to perform one of the vehicle interior heating and the battery heating.

9. The thermal energy control method according to claim 8, wherein, The target temperature inside the vehicle is set by the user.

10. The thermal energy control method according to claim 8 further includes the following steps: After setting the target temperature inside the vehicle, determine whether the engine is in the off state; as well as After performing either the vehicle interior heating or the battery heating, or after operating the electric heater, determine whether the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the set temperature.

11. The thermal energy control method according to claim 8, wherein, In the step of performing either vehicle interior heating or battery heating, vehicle interior heating is performed based on determining that the vehicle interior heating is turned on.

12. The thermal energy control method according to claim 1 further includes the following steps: Based on the determination that the ambient air temperature is above -20°C, the heat pump device is operated; Based on data from the data detector, determine whether the rate of change of coolant temperature is higher than a predetermined value; as well as Based on the determination that the rate of change of the coolant temperature is higher than the predetermined value, the compressor discharge pressure P is determined. d Is it higher than 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T? d With coolant temperature T water Is the difference between them greater than 20°C? 13. The thermal energy control method of claim 12 further includes operating the electric heater in response to determining that the coolant temperature is lower than the predetermined value.

14. The thermal energy control method according to claim 12, wherein, In response to determining the compressor discharge pressure P d Above 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T d With respect to the temperature T of the coolant water Is the difference between them greater than 20°C? Stop the operation of the heat pump unit.

15. The thermal energy control method according to claim 12, wherein, In response to determining the compressor discharge pressure P d Above 15 bar, or the refrigerant discharge temperature T d With respect to the temperature T of the coolant water Is the difference between them greater than 20°C? It is determined that the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

16. The thermal energy control method of claim 5, further comprising, in response to determining that the battery temperature is not equal to or higher than a predetermined target temperature and that the vehicle interior temperature is not equal to or higher than a set temperature, Return to the step of determining whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C.

17. The thermal energy control method according to claim 1, wherein, The data detector includes: A battery state of charge sensor, configured to measure the state of charge of the battery; A battery temperature sensor configured to measure the battery temperature; An external temperature sensor, configured to measure the external temperature; A vehicle interior temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature inside the vehicle; A coolant temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature of the coolant; A refrigerant temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in a heat pump unit; and A refrigerant pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of refrigerant discharged from a compressor, wherein the compressor is included in the heat pump unit.

18. A thermal energy control system, comprising: Controller; as well as Data detector; Electric heater, The controller is communicatively connected to the data detector and the electric heater, and The controller is configured as follows: Based on the data received from the data detector, it is determined whether the battery's state of charge is greater than or equal to 30%. Based on the data received from the data detector and based on determining that the battery's state of charge is greater than or equal to 30%, it is determined whether the battery temperature is higher than 10°C. Based on the data received from the data detector, determine whether the ambient air temperature is higher than -20°C; The electric heater is operated based on the determination that the ambient air temperature is below or equal to -20°C. Based on data from the data detector, determine whether the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature; and Active thermal management control is terminated based on the determination that the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

19. The thermal energy control system according to claim 18, wherein, The data detector includes: A battery state of charge sensor, configured to measure the state of charge of the battery; A battery temperature sensor configured to measure the battery temperature; An external temperature sensor, configured to measure the external temperature; A vehicle interior temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature inside the vehicle; A coolant temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature of the coolant; A refrigerant temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the refrigerant circulating in a heat pump unit; and A refrigerant pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of refrigerant discharged from a compressor, wherein the compressor is included in the heat pump unit.

20. A thermal energy control method, comprising the following steps: Based on data from the data detector, determine whether the battery's state of charge is greater than or equal to a preset state of charge; Based on the data received from the data detector and based on determining that the state of charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a preset state of charge, it is determined whether the battery temperature is higher than the first battery temperature. Based on the data received from the data detector, determine whether the ambient air temperature is higher than the negative temperature. Based on the data received from the data detector, it is determined whether the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and whether the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature. as well as Active thermal management control is terminated based on the determination that the battery temperature is higher than the target temperature and the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the user-set temperature.

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